Bowman's injury on heroic play devastated 49ers

Updated 11:33 pm, Sunday, January 19, 2014

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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NaVorro Bowman is taken off the field after a second half injury Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. less

NaVorro Bowman is taken off the field after a second half injury Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl at ... more

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Bowman's injury on heroic play devastated 49ers

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It was the type of injury that makes people wince and turn away from the television.

And it was the type of injury that foreshadowed the end of the 49ers' season.

With less than nine minutes to go in the fourth quarter of Sunday's NFC Championship Game, Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson completed a 9-yard pass to Jermaine Kearse to the 49ers' 1.

Linebacker NaVorro Bowman made a super play on the ball, ripping it from the receiver's hands in what appeared to be a game-saving turnover - something Bowman has specialized in doing the past two seasons.

Instead, tragedy hit in the form of Eric Reid. The 49ers' rookie safety slammed into Bowman's leg, snapping it backward in a horrific way. Bowman was on the ground screaming in pain, according to his teammates.

"I could hear him yelling," said his closest friend on the team, fellow linebacker Patrick Willis. "I was just thinking, 'Get out here and come help him.' "

Bowman's season ended in a flash. And the 49ers' season wasn't far behind.

In many ways, it's not surprising that the team couldn't overcome the loss of Bowman. He has been the most consistent playmaker on the 49ers' defense all season, receiving mentions for NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

"If he doesn't get it," Willis said, "I don't know what they go by."

After his knee was stabilized, Bowman was carted off the field. Head coach Jim Harbaugh later said he believes the injury involves Bowman's anterior cruciate ligament, but there was no definitive report Sunday night.

Bowman made an amazing play on his last play of the season. He ripped the ball out of a receiver's hands, just a yard from the end zone. But the officials did not award the 49ers the ball.

Bowman's season ended on the spot. A little more than eight minutes later, it was all over for the 49ers.